Santa Cruz Island
Today was a very special day for all of us. We finally had the thrilling experience to observe the world famous Galápagos giant tortoises. These enormous antediluvian-looking reptiles were the stars of the day. During the morning we visited the world renowned Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). Here, our visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the conservation programs that are mainly devoted to preserve the Galápagos Islands and its incredible flora & fauna. During the afternoon, we went to see these giant reptiles in their natural habitat at the highlands.
In the past, thousands of tortoises were decimated by pirates, whalers and privateers. Unfortunately, their meat was greatly needed and appreciated. In a nutshell, old time sailors who arrived to the islands exploited the tortoises, bringing them to the edge of extinction. The CDRS in conjunction with the Galápagos National Park Service have been working together for many years. Their common goal is the conservation of the Galápagos Islands, but they focus mainly on the restoration of populations of giant tortoises. The most significant of all the programs is the one related to the reproduction, incubation and repatriation of the young giant tortoises.
In the afternoon we all came back with a great feeling of satisfaction. We got to see the most representative animals of this remote archipelago, the Galápagos giant tortoises!
Today was a very special day for all of us. We finally had the thrilling experience to observe the world famous Galápagos giant tortoises. These enormous antediluvian-looking reptiles were the stars of the day. During the morning we visited the world renowned Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS). Here, our visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the conservation programs that are mainly devoted to preserve the Galápagos Islands and its incredible flora & fauna. During the afternoon, we went to see these giant reptiles in their natural habitat at the highlands.
In the past, thousands of tortoises were decimated by pirates, whalers and privateers. Unfortunately, their meat was greatly needed and appreciated. In a nutshell, old time sailors who arrived to the islands exploited the tortoises, bringing them to the edge of extinction. The CDRS in conjunction with the Galápagos National Park Service have been working together for many years. Their common goal is the conservation of the Galápagos Islands, but they focus mainly on the restoration of populations of giant tortoises. The most significant of all the programs is the one related to the reproduction, incubation and repatriation of the young giant tortoises.
In the afternoon we all came back with a great feeling of satisfaction. We got to see the most representative animals of this remote archipelago, the Galápagos giant tortoises!
